Grow

Grow

A tiny seed planted in a peat pot

to grow under a heat lamp, not too hot,

and sprinkled with water wet

will sprout with two green leaflets.

In a few weeks this seedling

will need careful transplanting

then will daily mature under the sun

and from a needed rain that weekly comes.

By inches it will creep

and soon blossoms will greet

in a yellow array

imitating the sun's rays.

Bees will unerringly seek

these pretty blossoms which greet

as this plant now matures,

though hardship it endures.

Yes, buffeted about

by wind and/or drought

it grew despite

life's unknown plights.

For its life is filled with hardships whether

from too much sun or from stormy weather.

These hardships will harden the plant to endure

and most likely a sweeter harvest ensure.

On summer afternoons the plant will wilt

as the sun over the horizon tilts

but the plant will survive

for its roots keep it alive.

This plant that started life as a seed

now produces enough to feed

ones family through the months of winter

as it soaks in the goodness of summer.

This seed grew

with life anew

for inside each seed is a miracle

waiting to be let out. Grow little plant, grow.

* * * * *

And so it is with us

as we grow in faith and trust.

We mature through hardships

for hardships equip us.

One day our hardships may another encourage

as others see us prevail and take courage

as our roots have grown deep

in God's Word, which we seek.

God's Word assures us that God is with us,

and in us, and will never forsake us.

We are assured that God loves us

and through His Son has forgiven us.

Hardships are meant to refine us,

as we learn about God's faithfulness,

and in the end, we find, teaches us

to give glory to God who blesses us.

His delight is in the law of the Lord,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.

Whatever he does prospers.

Psalm 1:2-3

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged,

for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

I pray that out of his glorious riches

he may strengthen you with power

through his Spirit in your inner being,

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,

may have power, together with all the saints,

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep

is the love of Christ,

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -

that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:16-19

God has said, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.

So we say with confidence,

The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.

Hebrews 13:5-6

Though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief

in all kinds of trials,

These have come so that your faith -

of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire -

may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor

when Jesus Christ is revealed.

I Peter 1:6-7

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Garden Tour 5/26/19

In honor of Memorial Day, first CA Poppy bloomed!

To those who served (and are serving), we honor you.

Two different color Columbines from friends, Connie and Sandy.

Dogwood's season just about through, sadly.

There will be an abundance of Rose Campion this year.  

TY Lesley.  A gift that keeps on giving!

Happy to see many Foxglove that survived the winter.

This one is growing in the asparagus bed.

Original foxgloves from Lesley's sister in NJ.

Happy to see a few Wisteria blooms.

And the annual morning dove nest in this arbor.

The juxtaposition of rain-soaked Snowball Bush blooms and Hosta foliage caught my attention.

Three Azalea bushes.  A graduation gift to myself years ago.

Stopped at a local nursery recently for cabbage plants.

Told the little helper there (perhaps 4 years old)

that pansies were my Gram's favorite.

This is a Johnny-Jump-Up that self seeded in the early lettuce/spinach bed.

Violas.  My Mother's Day gift to myself. 

First old-fashioned Iris has bloomed.

From my Gram many years ago.

Raindrops on Ladies Mantel is always appealing.

Many more flowers will be blooming this week here at Rainbow's End.

Iris

Lupine

Thank you for following along.

Last night's thunderstorm and raindrops have worked miracles here at Rainbow's End.

Wish you could hear the chirps of bird parents feeding their somewhat greedy offspring.

After all, Life Is a Garden Party!

Life Is a Garden Party

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Garden Tour 5/24/19

For, lo, the winter is past,

the rains are over and gone.

The flowers appear on the earth;

the time of the singing of birds has come.

Song of Solomon 2:11-12

It seemed like such a long wait for spring to arrive.
Now, everyday, it seems like foliage grows inches overnight.
More blooms every morning.  Moonlight magic?
That was my thought when I read Deuteronomy 33:13-14 recently.
Wren was singing his opus when I was trimming bushes today.
Rain in the forecast tomorrow.
Though I prefer to begin planting the vegetable garden this weekend
(the traditional weekend to plant seeds in the northeast),
I do need a day to catch up on household chores.

Here are some photos from today of my "happy place".

Wild daisies are beginning to bloom.

Lots of purples in the garden this week:

Alliums 

Salvia 

Lilacs

Rhodos and azaleas blooming:

Euphorbia caught my attention this afternoon:

Snowball bush - inherited from my mother's father's family:

Jack-in-the-Pulpit - in the woodland garden:

Deer consumed most of the Solomon Seal:

Columbine 

(self seeds at will)

This Hosta was bartered for Chinese Lanterns.

Theirs was larger than I could stretch my arms.

Though mine is quite large, it still has feet to grow to be that large.

Should have sprayed again with deer deterrent today.

Was telling someone yesterday the year I had two surgeries in one day,

I did not fill the prescription for pain killers.

My medicine was walking around the garden everyday to see what was blooming.

 Remembering who gave me what was healing.

I have been blessed in many ways.

The Buzzing Tree

The Buzzing Tree

After two days of unseasonable heat,

today a surprise - a buzzing tree, did greet.

I didn't realize I was growing a buzzing tree.

It certainly was a delight to me to hear and see.

This buzzing tree, covered with white blooms,

this warm weekend April afternoon

had caught my attention -

a picture in the making.

So off to take its picture,

a memory captured.

There was a sweet fragrance

that greeted me as I went.

Each blossom, like a five-pointed star

and delicate yellow stamens, were

indeed perfect,

without defect.

Against the clear blue sky

these white blossoms up high

were quite beautiful to behold

as in another rhyme to be told.

This buzzing tree

a sight to see

and sweet to smell

also did swell...

with harmony -

a buzzing tree.

What? You've never heard of a buzzing tree?

Yes, as you might have guessed, it was full of bees.

The white crab apple was full of bees -

honey bees, sweat bees - buzzing happily.

As I listen to the joyful sound,

I realized it is paradise found.

* * * * *

Heaven on earth according to the bees,

as it was paradise there in the tree.

There really is a heaven

high above the heavens.

Heaven...where God, the Father, dwells

with His Son, Jesus Christ, as well.

Heaven where a mansion is being prepared

for those whose names are written in the book there.

Heaven...where those who believe

and at one time received

Jesus as their Savior

will receive His favor.

Heaven...where those who believe will dwell

when they leave this earth, instead of hell;

for hell is for those who reject the Lord,

who rebel, who serve satan as lord.

Heaven...where there's no more sin

so there will be no more pain -

rather physical or emotional -

as there's no tears or death there, no, no.

Heaven...where the saints will worship

with praise and thanksgiving on their lips

for God is worthy to be praised

forever - as well as today.

Heaven...where you'll want to be

for all of eternity,

so make that decision right now -

believe as in prayer you bow.

Father, God, I believe

and your promise receive

of eternal life with you in heaven.

Guide me in doing what's right. Amen.

In my Father's house are many rooms;

if it were not so, I would have told you.

I am going there to prepare a place for you.

John 14:2

...rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

Luke 10:20

...rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents...

Luke 15:7

Out citizenship is in heaven. Philippians 3:20

He will wipe every tear from their eyes.

There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.

Revelation 21:4

Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength

and honor and glory and praise!

Revelation 5:12

...he is Lord of lords and King of kings -

and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.

Revelation 17:14

If you confess with your mouth,

"Jesus is Lord,"

and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,

you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Life Is a Garden Party

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Melodies

MELODIES

A wren woke me this morning

with a melody forthcoming.

Several notes were heard sung

strung together in a run.

Was it practicing a concerto

with an audition in alto?

It didn't seem to follow the rules

as so many musicians are taught to.

It was up and down the scale

as the melody sailed

through the air,

a loud blare...

for it got my attention

through the window open.

If only I could imitate the melody,

I know you too would think the song was lovely.

If someone would memorize than record,

it would be a #1 hit record.

A heavenly melody

sung without harmony.

Until a cardinal joins in.

What a happy way to begin

this weekday morning -

with joyous singing.

The air is filled with tweets,

chirps, twitters, and cheeps.

This feathered band

awakens humans.

Be sure to start your day with a song.

Before long you'll be singing along.

Your day will be better for it,

if there is a song in it.

* * * * *

Keep a song in your heart

no matter what

for you'll find cheerful singing

changes your disposition.

A joyful attitude

brightens everyone's mood.

Turn some music on

and sing to the song.

You'll feel better.

Your heart lighter.

For music soothes the soul

and fills your heart full.

Not a song of heartache and despair.

A song of joy and hope should fill the air.

Learn a lesson from the birds.

Start each morning in accord

with an attitude of gratitude.

Try it. It will change your mood.

Sing to the Lord a new song;

sing to the Lord, all the earth.

Sing to the Lord, praise his name;

proclaim is salvation day after day.

Declare his glory among the nations,

his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

Psalm 96:1-3

Sing to the Lord a new song,

for he has done marvelous things;

Psalm 98:1

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,

burst into jubilant song with music;

make music to the Lord with the harp,

with the harp and the sound of singing,

with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn -

shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

Psalm 98:4-6

Our mouths were filled with laughter,

our tongues with songs of joy.

Then it was said among the nations,

“The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Lord has done great things for us,

and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:2-3

Is anyone happy?

Let him sing songs of praise.

James 5:13b

...as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs

with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Colossians 3:16b

Life Is a Garden Party

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Party Time

PARTY TIME

The forecast promised a sunny Saturday

so let's plan a garden party for that day.

Let's decide on a color scheme.

How about sunshine yellow and green?

Who all should we invite?

Butterflies always bring delight.

The birds will provide music for free,

while buzzing bees hum along with glee.

Every sunny day these guests

delight me, I confess,

as they smoothly navigate

then quietly pollinate.

The sun puts on its happy face.

The yellow decorations are in place.

The garden guests can't wait to party.

Here they come. They're not tardy.

What should we serve our guests?

Something cool to sip is best

and something sweet

is always a treat.

Flavored herbal teas taste just right

as they sip to their heart's delight.

This afternoon new decorations arrive -

white bouquets in bunches of four or five.

Those yellow decorations are now white blooms.

They look like miniature bouquets of balloons.

In fact there's way too many to count.

More white, than yellow, decorations mount.

Those sunshine yellow decorations have gone to seed

filling the landscape with countless balloons that feed

more party guests that arrive this afternoon

filling up on dandelion seed in June.

Who is it that invited themselves?

The yellow finches flock in to help

make this garden party a joyous occasion

with butterflies, birds, and bees at this celebration.

Come on in.

We're glad you came.

There's plenty to eat.

Enjoy the treats.

(The yellow decorations turning into white balloons were dandelions,

providing a treat for bees then for birds.)

* * * * *

Looking for the positive

in what appears negative

will not only change our outlook

but will change our countenance – look!

We're have fewer health problems, for instance,

when we learn to look at our circumstance

with a positive attitude -

and a much happier mood.

The heavy weight of depression will lift

when we possess a positive spirit.

Peace will invade our soul,

seen in a contented glow.

Each day will be filled with blessings

instead of mindless stressing.

So stop dwelling on what's wrong

and fill your heart with a song.

Your attitude will have a positive effect on others.

In fact, contagious as it's passed on to one another.

Today, be a good example in word and deed

and start sowing positive, life-giving seeds.

A merry heart

makes a cheerful countenance.

Proverbs 15:13 (KJV)

A happy heart

makes the face cheerful.

Proverbs 15:13 (NIV)

Do good, be rich in good deeds,

be generous and willing to share

I Timothy 6:18

Whatever you do,

whether in word or deed,

do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,

who loved us and by his grace gave us

eternal encouragement and good hope,

encourage your hearts

and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

II Thessalonians 2:16-17

Life Is a Garden Party

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Companions

Companions

Have you ever planted something

then waited all summer but nothing?

What should have produced

became refuse.

One year I planted sweet walla walla onions

on the reverse side of the fence under the pole beans.

Those onions never amounted to anything.

Later I learned about companion planting.

There's quite a study on plant companions.

Who knew vegetables had foes and best friends?

So bear in mind when planting

your vegetable's companions.

Asparagus is friends with parsley and tomatoes but not with onions.

Beans make friends with everyone except garlic and onions.

The kale family is not too fond of strawberries or tomatoes.

You'll find potatoes are not best friends with pumpkins or tomatoes.

Carrots grow well near most herbs except for dill.

Do not plant cucumbers near sage, or they will not fare well.

Onions will not grow well planted next to beans or peas

though carrots, lettuce, spinach, and tomatoes love peas.

Companions are not potatoes and tomatoes.

Keep summer squash and zucchini away from potatoes.

Here's another take on companions?

Be sure to plant garlic and onions

here and there for their scent will keep away

those unwanted insects that come as prey.

So sow some garlic seeds around your rose bushes.

Or plant winter onions, or shallots or leeks or such

in between flowers and most vegetables.

You'll find you'll spend less on variables.

Because marigolds are highly scented

they will also keep away insects, unwanted.

Plan to plant marigolds in your vegetable garden.

You'll notice fewer pests will visit your bountiful garden.

Not only will nasturtiums add color where planted,

they are also natural bug repellents

and every bit of the plant is edible.

Grow some, then set a designer table.

You might purchase a book about companion planting.

The internet has much to offer if you have time for searching.

Keeping a notebook of what works or not

is a good habit this year to start.

* * * * *

The Bible states that David and Jonathan were best friends.

Companions, confidants, closer than brothers, gift-from-God friends.

May you have a friendship like that.

Someone you know will protect your back.

Someone who laughs with you

and sometimes cries for you.

Who's always there for you

whatever you're going through.

Unfortunately people change, friends may move,

life happens, sometimes not the path we'd chose.

We lose contact.

Who will watch our back?

The Bible states that Jonathan helped David find strength in God.

That's the type of friends we need at all times, not just when times are hard.

God will send these spiritual mentors if we just ask.

He has someone already prepared just for that task.

Read the verse from Isaiah below.

It contains the answer to woe.

Our strength is to be found in God

for God is with us when times are hard.

Now write Isaiah 46:3-4 on an index card

as a reminder when times are hard.

I have, I am, I will – these are God's promises.

Past, present, and future - guaranteed assurances.

God upholds us, carries us,

sustains us, and will rescue us.

That's a promise -

God's assurance.

And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh

and helped him find strength in God.

I Samuel 23:16

You whom I have upheld you since you were conceived,

and have carried since your birth.

Even to your old age and gray hairs

I am he, I am he who will sustain you.

I have made you and I will carry you;

I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Isaiah 46:3-4

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